Thursday, December 23, 2010

Sinn Féin councillor Jonathan O'Brien has called on the City Council to act immediately to alleviate the problems with water supply in the city before the situation becomes a crisis.

Cllr O'Brien said:

"In the past two days I have received literally dozens of phone calls from people who do not have water, due either to frozen pipes and stopcocks or to problems with the water supply."

"Other councillors are reporting a similar volume of calls. Altogether, there are hundreds of people experiencing problems, particularly in the Northside of the city."

"City Council's response to the problem to date has been non-existent. Phone calls to local council depots and to City Hall are not being answered. There is no advice on the council's website for people who find themselves with frozen pipes. Council offices are due to close from tomorrow, potentially leaving hundreds of people without water for Christmas."

"The council should make available the free phone number it has in reserve for emergencies, so people are who phone City Hall are not meet with just a mailbox. A simple list of "Dos and Don’ts" for dealing with frozen pipes and stopcocks should be issued and placed on the council's website. And the local authority should consider supplying tanked water to the worst affected areas, as it did after last year's floods."

"It is time City Hall got its act together and started dealing with the situation before its gets worse."

Tuesday, December 21, 2010

Sinn Féin Councillor Henry Cremin last night called on the city council to release the free-phone number it has in reserve for emergencies in response to the extreme weather conditions.

Cllr Cremin said:

“Some weeks ago, in answer to a question from myself, the City Manager said the council had an emergency free-phone number available which it could issue to the public in the event of extreme weather conditions. Given the extent of the current cold snap, I believe this number should be made available to the public now, so that people suffering from burst pipes, water shortages or unable to access their homes and housing estates due to the ice can contact the council directly.”

“Areas of the city have come close to paralysis in the past few days as snow and ice renders roads nearly impassable, and the council’s response in terms of salting and gritting has been disappointingly slow. Publicising the free-phone number would facilitate members of the public to alert the council where there are problems and ensure a more targeted and effective response.”

Sinn Féin’s leader on Cork City Council, Jonathan O’Brien, has hit out at Fine Gael and Labour for supporting failed Fianna Fail policies by adopting last night’s council estimates.

Cllr O’Brien said:

“These estimates translate failed national policies into local politics. Central government funding to Cork City Council has been cut by 17.4% since 2009. This has led to a reduction in staff numbers across all Departments and a restricted ability to provide local services.”

“The consequences can be seen in the slow pace of salting and gritting across the city in the past week which has left some people trapped inside their homes. It can be seen in our cemeteries, where the council no longer has sufficient workers to cut the grass or provide other basic maintenance. We see a slower response to requests for housing maintenance, delays in assessing people for housing, and the closure of local housing offices across the city. There is only one plumber in the whole of the Northside to look after the maintenance of the council’s housing stock. In the past year we have seen the management of the city car parks outsourced because of staff reductions, and two refuse trucks taken off the road. Across the whole range of council services, our capacity to deliver is being stretched to breaking point by cuts.”

“The way is being paved for increased privatisation and outsourcing of local services. In the long run, this will be bad for council employees and will cost the council and the taxpayer more. With the government proposing to transfer responsibility for water services away from local authorities to a dedicated water utility, we face the prospect that in a few years Cork City Council may have responsibility for neither refuse collection nor water supply, and may be building no new houses.”

“A few weeks ago the council’s housing list reached 8,600 – in comparison to a total housing stock of 8,300. But this budget sees the capital allocation for housing reduced further. Next year Cork City Council will build or acquire a mere 96 new houses, although thousands more applicants are expected to come onto the list.”

“Meanwhile the allocation for conference expenses in being increased from €141,000 to €145,700. The Lord Mayor’s allowance is to be €108,000. And chairs of Strategic Policy Committees will continue to get €6,000 for the trouble of attending a few meetings each year.”

“The government’s policy of cutbacks has failed. It has not delivered economic stimulus or jobs, it has simply led to rising unemployment, emigration, and a prolonged recession. These cutbacks, which are forced upon us by central government, simply translate failed Fianna Fail policies to the local level. I am astounded to see Fine Gael and Labour supporting them on Cork City Council while claiming to oppose Fianna Fail in the Dail.”

Sinn Féin councillor Chris O’Leary said last night’s vote on Cork City Council’s budget shone a spotlight on councillors’ priorities. He was speaking after a motion from Sinn Féin, which would have increased the provision for housing maintenance by nearly €200,000 at the expense of conference fees and the Lord Mayor’s pay, was voted down by the other parties.

Cllr O’Leary said:

“This year’s estimates propose a €200,000 reduction in housing maintenance, at a time when we already have a huge backlog of tenants waiting for repairs. It follows last year’s reduction of €1 million in the funds allocated to maintenance.”

“This can be avoided. By placing a moratorium on conference fees for just twelve months, the council would save €145,700. Together with a reduction to €60,000 in the Lord Mayor’s allowance, this would provide €194,000 to plug the gap in housing maintenance.”

“My proposal is that this money be ring-fenced as an emergency fund for repairs associated with the current cold spell – such as attic insulation, boiler and heating repairs, etc.”

“The fact that the three pact parties – Fianna Fail, Labour and Fine Gael – voted en bloc to reject this proposal is a disappointing reflection of their priorities. Surely in the current economic climate councillors could have foregone payments for conferences for one year to enable badly needed repairs to the housing stock.”

“It was particularly disappointing to see Labour councillors voting solidly alongside Fianna Fail and Fine Gael to oppose the motion.”

Thursday, December 16, 2010

Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams is in Cork today to promote the party’s economic recovery strategy and support its candidates at the upcoming general election.

At 11 am he will take part in a photo-call at the National Monument with the party’s general election candidates, Cllr Jonathan O’Brien and Cllr Chris O’Leary. Sinn Féin is targeting seats in both Cork City constituencies at the next general election.

Subsequently he will join Sinn Féin activists at a protest outside the GPO to mark the passing of the EU/IMF bailout deal yesterday by the Dáil.

At 12.30 Gerry Adams will lead a round-table discussion on “Ireland’s Economic Crisis: The Sinn Féin Alternative” at the Imperial Hotel. The event will involve local community, trade union and business representatives.

Afterwards the Sinn Féin President will visit City Hall to pay tribute to the memory of Lord Mayors Terence MacSwiney and Tomás Mac Curtain, whose 90th anniversaries took place this year, and mark the burning of Cork. He will be received by the Lord Mayor.

Commenting on the visit Cllr Chris O'Leary, who is Sinn Féin’s general election candidate in Cork South Central, said: “Sinn Féin is the only political party offering an alternative to the government’s failed economic policies. That is the message Gerry Adams will bring to Cork today. Fine Gael and Labour have criticised individual measures, but are committed to following the main outlines of the government’s economic strategy – four more years of cutbacks, reducing the deficit to 3% of GDP by 2014, accepting an EU/IMF bailout for the banks.”

“Sinn Féin has argued consistently that cutbacks would only prolong the recession – and we have been proven right. We have argued that the bondholders should take their losses, and the resources of the National Pension Reserve Fund be invested in an economic stimulus package and job creation rather than poured into the black hole that is the country’s banks. We reject the government’s targets for reducing the deficit and we will not saddle Ireland with more debt to bail out international bondholders. Today’s opinion poll, which shows our party doubling its support, confirms what we have been hearing on the doorsteps over the past few months – that more and more people are recognising Sinn Féin is the only party offering a real alternative.” For further information or comment contact Cllr Chris O’Leary @ 087/2794307.

Wednesday, December 15, 2010

Sinn Féin councillor Jonathan O’Brien has said it is imperative that the EU/IMF bailout package is rejected in today’s vote, and said government backbenchers have a last chance to redeem themselves before an election by voting against taking on additional €85 billion in debt to bail out the banks.

He was speaking after it was revealed that the EU will be charging Ireland a premium of 3% on its portion of the bailout over what it will cost to borrow the money on the international markets.

Cllr O’Brien said:

“Due to the threat of legal action from Sinn Féin, the government has reluctantly been forced to bring this agreement to a vote in the Dáil.”

“It is now imperative it is defeated. If the bailout package is implemented, it will saddle every man, woman and child in this state with an unpayable debt which will further depress economic growth – all to provide another bailout to the banks.”

“Last night it was revealed the European Financial Stability Mechanism is charging a premium of 3% on its part of the bailout package. In other words, the EU will be charging Ireland 3% more in interest than it will be itself charged by the international market. The cost of this to Ireland will be €5 billion over the full period of the deal.”

“This just serves to underline what an appalling deal the government has brought home. Indeed, the same facility has previously leant money to Latvia, Hungary and Romania – none of whom are in the Euro zone – without charging a premium.”

“Certain backbenchers in Fianna Fáil have in the past been vocal in their criticism of government policies, but continued to support them in the Dáil. Now is their last chance to make a stand and do some service to the country by voting down this deal. If they do not, people will be forced to assume that their criticisms were cynical posturing designed to deflect public anger at the government’s policies from themselves.”

Friday, December 10, 2010

Sinn Féin will hold a rally tomorrow to protest against the budget and call for the deal with the IMF to be torn up. The event will begin at the National Monument in the Grand Parade at 2pm, with a public meeting scheduled afterwards at the Victoria Hotel.

Sinn Féin councillor Chris O’Leary said:

“The EU/IMF bailout deal will place a millstone of debt around the neck of every taxpayer in this country for a generation, all to pay for the reckless behaviour of a few highly placed gamblers. This is not a bailout for Ireland, it is bailout for the banks - but taxpayers and public service users are the ones being called upon to pay.”

“On Tuesday the first instalment of the bill came due, and once again it was low-paid workers and those on social welfare who footed most of the cost. Some categories of wealthy taxpayers were actually left better off by the changes in the tax code.”

“The threat of legal action by Sinn Féin has now forced the government to put the deal with the IMF to a Dáil vote. We call on every TD and party who has the national interest at heart to vote against it. We are also calling on any political party which hopes to form the next government to make a commitment to bring in a new budget which will reverse the cutbacks to social welfare and the minimum wage and place the burden of tax increases firmly on those who can afford to pay more.”

“We must tear up the deal with the IMF and tell the bondholders in our banks to take their losses. Ireland cannot afford to pay for their mistakes. Our remaining reserves in the National Pension Reserve Fund are needed to invest in the economy, stimulate growth and create jobs.”

“I invite anyone who opposes this budget and the IMF deal and wants to reclaim Ireland’s status as a sovereign nation to gather at the National Monument tomorrow at 2pm.”

Sinn Féin will hold a rally tomorrow to protest against the budget and call for the deal with the IMF to be torn up. The event will begin at the National Monument in the Grand Parade at 2pm, with a public meeting scheduled afterwards at the Victoria Hotel.

Sinn Féin councillor Chris O’Leary said:

“The EU/IMF bailout deal will place a millstone of debt around the neck of every taxpayer in this country for a generation, all to pay for the reckless behaviour of a few highly placed gamblers. This is not a bailout for Ireland, it is bailout for the banks - but taxpayers and public service users are the ones being called upon to pay.”

“On Tuesday the first instalment of the bill came due, and once again it was low-paid workers and those on social welfare who footed most of the cost. Some categories of wealthy taxpayers were actually left better off by the changes in the tax code.”

“The threat of legal action by Sinn Féin has now forced the government to put the deal with the IMF to a Dáil vote. We call on every TD and party who has the national interest at heart to vote against it. We are also calling on any political party which hopes to form the next government to make a commitment to bring in a new budget which will reverse the cutbacks to social welfare and the minimum wage and place the burden of tax increases firmly on those who can afford to pay more.”

“We must tear up the deal with the IMF and tell the bondholders in our banks to take their losses. Ireland cannot afford to pay for their mistakes. Our remaining reserves in the National Pension Reserve Fund are needed to invest in the economy, stimulate growth and create jobs.”

“I invite anyone who opposes this budget and the IMF deal and wants to reclaim Ireland’s status as a sovereign nation to gather at the National Monument tomorrow at 2pm.”

Tuesday, December 7, 2010

Sinn Féin councillor Thomas Gould last night reiterated that the council’s housing policy has failed, as the number of families waiting for housing in the city rose to 8,400.

Cllr Gould said:

“Every month since I have been elected to this council, around 200 additional families have come onto the housing list, while maybe 40 applicants have been offered housing.”

“You don’t have to be Einstein to figure out that at this rate, we will never make any inroads into the housing problem in Cork. Indeed the number on the housing list is now equal to the entire stock of houses owned by the council.”

“There needs to be a recognition that the current policy is a failure, and a commitment to work together to find solution.”

“Last July, Cork Sinn Féin published our own set of proposals on how to deal with the housing crisis. But we would be happy to engage with everyone in the council chamber to sit down and come up with a way of dealing with this issue.”

“Otherwise the number on the housing list will simply continue to rise, to 10,000 by the end of next year and beyond.”

“Recently a government report indicated that Cork has the highest number of ghost estates of any county in Ireland. It is disgraceful that we have up to 300,000 properties across the state lying idle while families are waiting years for a house. Many of these vacant properties are in NAMA, or soon will be. It is time to take the keys off the developers and hand them to families who are in need of a home.”

Sinn Féin’s general election candidate for Cork South Central, Cllr Chris O’Leary, last night called on Cork City Council to take action against councillors who have abused the system of conference expenses.

Cllr O’Leary said:

“In the past 12 months Cork City Council has paid councillors €145,277.95 to attend conferences.”

“Some 15 councillors claimed more than the €4,700 limit on conference payments imposed by Minister Gormley. Three councillors received over €10,000 in expenses, with one claiming as much as €15,000.”

“It is ironic that some of the councillors who routinely feature at the top of the league table for conference expenses often fail to grace us with their presence in the council chamber on a Monday night.”

“Perhaps they are too busy clocking up the mileage to perform their basic duty as public representatives.”

“I am challenging the city council to take action against those members who are consistently abusing the system, and to implement the cap on conference fees that is already part of national legislation.”

Sinn Féin’s general election candidate for Cork South Central, Cllr Chris O’Leary, last night called on Cork City Council to take action against councillors who have abused the system of conference expenses.

Cllr O’Leary said:

“In the past 12 months Cork City Council has paid councillors €145,277.95 to attend conferences.”

“Some 15 councillors claimed more than the €4,700 limit on conference payments imposed by Minister Gormley. Three councillors received over €10,000 in expenses, with one claiming as much as €15,000.”

“It is ironic that some of the councillors who routinely feature at the top of the league table for conference expenses often fail to grace us with their presence in the council chamber on a Monday night.”

“Perhaps they are too busy clocking up the mileage to perform their basic duty as public representatives.”

“I am challenging the city council to take action against those members who are consistently abusing the system, and to implement the cap on conference fees that is already part of national legislation.”

Sinn Féin councillor Jonathan O’Brien last night slammed Labour and Fine Gael for voting with Fianna Fáil to block a debate on the economic crisis facing the country, and accused them of operating a cartel within City Hall to share out positions and stifle debate.

Sinn Féin had put forward a motion requesting the suspension of standing orders so councillors could discuss the EU/IMF bailout and its implications for the city’s budgetary position. After it was voted down, several members of the public who were watching proceedings from the gallery staged a brief protest.

Cllr O’Brien, said:

“It is not surprising that Fianna Fail would object to the council discussing the unprecedented crisis facing our country. But that Labour and Fine Gael voted alongside them to block a debate on the IMF bailout is incredible.”

“Maybe it is because they are in a pact with Fianna Fail to share out well-salaried positions, including the Lord Mayorship, that they are anxious to stifle dissent within the council chamber.”

“Maybe it is because both parties are committed to the same failed strategy of cuts as the government. Labour and Fine Gael both accept the completely arbitrary and unattainable goal of reducing our budget deficit to 3% of GDP by 2014. Both of them have pledged to accept the deal with the EU and IMF once in government.”

“Whatever the reason, Labour in particular has consistently voted against motions to trim council expenses, subject conference fees to more scrutiny, and now a proposal to debate the economic crisis facing the country.”

“While Eamon Gilmore is shouting treason from the opposition benches in Leinster House, his councillors in Cork City Hall are working hand in glove with Fianna Fáil. Labour and Fine Gael present themselves as an alternative to the government, but the cosy cartel they operate together on Cork City Council suggests they are more like tweedledum and tweedledee”

Monday, December 6, 2010

A commemoration to mark the 90th anniversary of the Delany Brothers (Jeremiah & Con) will take place on Sunday December 12th, assemble 12pm at the Grotto in Blackpool, the march will led by the MacCurtain/MacSwiney Republican Flute Band to the monument on Dublin Hill, speakers will be Cllrs Thomas Gould & Jonathan O'Brien.

Also remembered will be their comrade Vol Sean O'Donoghue who was shot dead by Free State troops at the Delany Household on Dublin Hill on the 28th September 1922.

Sinn Féin members of Cork City Council will seek the suspension of standing orders at today’s meeting so the council can debate the EU/IMF bailout and its impact on the council’s services and budget in the years ahead.

The leader of the Sinn Féin group in City Hall, Cllr Jonathan O’Brien, said:

“This evening I will be putting a motion requesting the suspension of standing orders to the council so we can have an opportunity to discuss the EU/IMF bailout and its implications.”

“The developments of the past few weeks will have a profound effect on our city and our country for years to come. It is important that the elected members of the council get the opportunity to discuss them. This is especially vital given that a government in its dying days, which has lost the confidence of the public and is clinging to power only by the expedient of delaying the three bye-elections that remain due, is currently taking decisions that will shape this country for years to come.”

“There are serious concerns for the future of local services, given the agenda of privatisation and cutbacks written into the terms of the EU/IMF bailout package. Of particular concern is the proposal to transfer responsibility for water supply from local authorities to a new water utility. Alongside the introduction of water charges, this is clearly preparing the way for privatisation.”

“The cutbacks imposed by the EU/IMF and the government’s four year plan will also have a major impact on the council’s budgetary position, and on the prospects for economic recovery in Cork. We need a discussion on how we can secure revenue and maintain council services in the future, and promote job creation and growth in the city.”

“I hope other parties on the council will support our motion to suspend standing orders later today.”

Sinn Féin’s general election candidate for Cork South Central, Cllr Chris O’Leary, has said the proposed cut in the minimum wage will see more families claiming Family Income Supplement and will cost the government money.

Cllr O’Leary said:

“The proposed cut in the hourly minimum wage from €8.65 to €7.65 is not only grossly unfair – it will cost the government money.”

“It will push a significant number of families, particularly those with only one earner, under the threshold at which they can claim Family Income Supplement.”

“This will further increase the social welfare bill, which is already soaring because of the government’s calamitous failure to tackle the unemployment crisis. In effect, the government will be using the welfare system to supplement employers who pay their workers poverty wages.”

“This is not only unjust, it does not make economic sense. People are entitled to a fair day’s pay for a fair day’s work. The minimum wage should be set at a level that allows people live with dignity, not one that leaves them dependent on the social welfare system to get by.”

Saturday, December 4, 2010

Sinn Féin councillor Jonathan O'Brien has welcomed the announcement by the ESB, Airtricity and Bord Gais that they are to cease disconnections during the period of cold weather.

Councillor O'Brien said:

"The announcement by the utility companies that they will temporarily cease disconnections, as well as the decision by the Energy Regulator to halve the cost of reconnection, will be welcomed by thousands of hard-pressed families around the country."

"For much of this year, disconnections have been running at almost 1,000 a month as families experienced the impact of the recession and frequently met an unsympathetic response from the utility companies."

"This week’s developments reflect the efforts of ESB campaigner Seamus Sherlock and those who supported him. Many people will be familiar with the Limerick father of three whose protest outside ESB headquarters sparked a national campaign."

"Sinn Féin was glad to support Seamus in his campaign. This week's announcements show what "the power of one" can do the bring about change."

"What is needed now is as permanent end to disconnections for people who can show they are making an effort to pay their bills."

Friday, December 3, 2010

Sinn Féin’s general election candidate in Cork South Central, Cllr Chris O’Leary, has slammed the payment of over €145,000 in conference fees by Cork City Council in 2010.

Cllr O’Leary said:

“In the past 12 months Cork City Council has paid councillors €145,277.95 to attend conferences.”

“Given the current economic state of the country, and the hardship government cutbacks are imposing on ordinary people, this is simply not acceptable.”

“It is particularly scandalous that 15 councillors claimed more than the €4,700 limit on conference payments imposed by Minister Gormley.”

“Three councillors received over €10,000 in expenses, while another five claimed between €8,000 and €10,000.”

“Ten councillors, including the five Sinn Féin representatives, claimed no money for conferences.”

“These figures represent a shocking abuse of the system, which must be stopped. Nobody can justify councillors claiming thousands of euro to attend conferences on Facebook while people on social welfare and the minimum wage face cuts in their income.”

“€145,000 could be better spent providing long-overdue repairs for dozens of the council’s housing tenants who live with draughty windows or rising damp. And while councillors like to claim conferences equip them better to do their job, I am sure some of the academics at UCC who are experts in housing or planning policy could provide seminars for city councillors in these areas at far smaller cost to the taxpayer.”

“At the upcoming council estimates Sinn Féin will once again be proposing a substantial reduction in the allowance for conference fees. If other the parties want the public to retain any faith in politics, they should support us.”

“A poll is only a poll and needs to be treated as such. Nevertheless the rise in support for Sinn Féin recorded in today’s RED C Poll reflects what we have been hearing on the ground for some time.”

“More and more people are coming to recognise that Sinn Féin is putting forward a real alternative to the failed policies of the establishment parties. While Fianna Fail has run this state into the ground, Fine Gael and Labour are proposing nothing different.”

“Sinn Féin is the only party unambigiously committed to burning the bondholders at Anglo Irish Bank and imposing a deep haircut on bondholders at Bank of Ireland and AIB. We are the only party who will tear up the agreement with the EU and IMF if we get into government, rather than see our country condemned to a decade of economic bondage.”

“We are the only party to propose a stimulus package for the economy and to produce a detailed job creation strategy. We were the only party to reject the completely arbitrary goal imposed by the EU of reducing our budget deficit to 3% of GDP by 2014 – a goal which even the government now recognises is unrealistic.”

“We are the only party to date to put forward a fully costed alternative budget.”

“The growing support for Sinn Féin – as evidenced by Pearse Doherty’s massive bye-election victory in Donegal – shows people are coming to realise there is a better way.”

“Whenever the next general election is called, Sinn Féin will be going out to win seats in both Cork North Central and Cork South Central. Building on our strong base in local government, and with growing popular support, I believe we will succeed and provide a strong radical voice for people in this city.”

Thursday, December 2, 2010

Speaking today after the release of the Live Register Figures for November, Sinn Féin's general election candidate for Cork South Central, Cllr Chris O'Leary said that soaring emigration is masking unemployment figures and the Government's four-year plan was a strategy that would cost jobs.

Cllr O'Leary said:

“These figures show two things - that emigration is masking the true extent of unemployment and that long-term unemployment is on the rise. One third of those on the dole are now long-term unemployed."

"By the end of this year 70,000 people will have left the country. The ﻿g﻿﻿government ﻿h﻿a﻿v﻿e﻿ based their four year strategy on the ﻿e﻿x﻿p﻿e﻿c﻿t﻿a﻿t﻿i﻿o﻿n﻿ ﻿﻿﻿﻿﻿that 100,000﻿ ﻿﻿﻿﻿﻿﻿p﻿e﻿o﻿p﻿l﻿e﻿ ﻿w﻿﻿i﻿l﻿l﻿ ﻿﻿﻿﻿﻿﻿﻿em﻿i﻿g﻿r﻿a﻿t﻿e﻿ ﻿o﻿v﻿e﻿r﻿ ﻿t﻿h﻿a﻿t﻿ ﻿p﻿e﻿r﻿i﻿o﻿d. This is the only target in the ﻿p﻿la﻿n they are likely to meet. Young people are leaving the country in droves, and it is no coincidence that half of those who left the Live Register in the past ﻿month were under 25.”

“It was also revealed yesterday that one third of those on the dole are now categorised as long term unemployed.”

﻿“The government have failed categorically to produce a job creation strategy for the country. Instead they have given us a four-year plan for further misery. As well as costing 25,000 jobs directly in the public service, the plan will cost thousands more indirectly across the economy as it takes money out of circulation and reduces our potential for growth. To add insult to injury, the unemployed are to see their benefits progressively reduced across the four years, having already suffered a reduction in the last budget as well as the withdrawal of the Christmas bonus.”

“Long term unemployment and emigration are once more becoming ingrained into Irish life, and this government is only making things worse.”

Responding to the latest details about the terms of the government’s deal with the EU/IMF, Sinn Féin councillor Jonathan O’Brien has said we need to burn the bondholders while we still can, and keep the National Pension Reserve Fund for investment in our economy rather than the banks.

Cllr O’Brien said: “What the EU and IMF are proposing is a bailout for the banks, not for Ireland. Some €17.5 million of the money is from our own funds – you cannot bail out yourself. But while the banks are being bailed out, it is Irish citizens who are being asked to foot the bill.” “This state still has options. We can burn the bondholders in Anglo Irish bank. We can offer the bondholders in AIB and Bank of Ireland hugely discounted rates to go away before we fully nationalise both banks, or burn them. They took a gamble and they lost. The debt is bank debt, not Irish government debt or sovereign debt. Forcing the bondholders to take their losses is a market solution to a market problem.”

“The government wishes to use €12.5 billion from the National Pension Reserve Fund as part of the latest banking bailout. Once more our reserves are being raided to fund the defunct bankingsystem. When Sinn Féin proposed using this money to fund a stimulus package to promote jobs and recovery we were told it could not be touched. But the fund has repeatedly been raided to bail out the banks.” “The EU and the IMF are keen for Ireland to become dependent on their cash. This cannot be allowed happen. Not one further cent out of the pension reserve fund should be handed over to the banks.” “If the government implements its proposals, Ireland’s future options and our potential for recovery will be severely limited. We must burn the bondholders while we still can.” For further information or comment contact Cllr Jonathan O’Brien @ 085-2133907

Responding to the latest details about the terms of the government’s deal with the EU/IMF, Sinn Féin councillor Jonathan O’Brien has said we need to burn the bondholders while we still can, and keep the National Pension Reserve Fund for investment in our economy rather than the banks.

Cllr O’Brien said: “What the EU and IMF are proposing is a bailout for the banks, not for Ireland. Some €17.5 million of the money is from our own funds – you cannot bail out yourself. But while the banks are being bailed out, it is Irish citizens who are being asked to foot the bill.” “This state still has options. We can burn the bondholders in Anglo Irish bank. We can offer the bondholders in AIB and Bank of Ireland hugely discounted rates to go away before we fully nationalise both banks, or burn them. They took a gamble and they lost. The debt is bank debt, not Irish government debt or sovereign debt. Forcing the bondholders to take their losses is a market solution to a market problem.”

“The government wishes to use €12.5 billion from the National Pension Reserve Fund as part of the latest banking bailout. Once more our reserves are being raided to fund the defunct bankingsystem. When Sinn Féin proposed using this money to fund a stimulus package to promote jobs and recovery we were told it could not be touched. But the fund has repeatedly been raided to bail out the banks.” “The EU and the IMF are keen for Ireland to become dependent on their cash. This cannot be allowed happen. Not one further cent out of the pension reserve fund should be handed over to the banks.” “If the government implements its proposals, Ireland’s future options and our potential for recovery will be severely limited. We must burn the bondholders while we still can.” For further information or comment contact Cllr Jonathan O’Brien @ 085-2133907

The public meeting on housing scheduled for tonight in Knocknaheeney has been cancelled due to the ongoing severe weather conditions. The meeting was due to have taken place at 7.30pm in Terence MacSwiney School. Local Sinn Féin councillor Jonathan O'Brien said the meeting would be rescheduled for a later date once weather conditions improve.

Wednesday, December 1, 2010

Speaking after yesterday's occupation of Anglo-Irish Bank, Sinn Féin councillor Jonathan O'Brien said bondholders at the institution should not get a cent when the cost of bailing them out is cutbacks to social welfare and public services.

Cllr O'Brien said:

"Yesterday members of the campaign group Cork Social Welfare Defenders occupied Anglo Irish Bank to protest against the government's policy of imposing cutbacks on those receiving social welfare while spending billions bailing out the banks."

"Along with a number of other public representatives, I took part in the protest and occupation."

"While the Governor of the Central Bank has announced the nameplate at Anglo will be changed within weeks, the reality is the government intends to pay €32 billion or more of taxpayers' money to bondholders at the bank as it winds down over the coming years."

"The people who are being asked to foot the bill are the most vulnerable in society - the unemployed, the elderly, the sick - many of whom took part in yesterday's march."

"The bondholders who invested in Anglo Irish Bank took a gamble on the Irish property market and lost. They should take their hit. There is no reason why the Irish taxpayer should bail them out, especially at the cost of least well off in our society. It is not enough to change the nameplates - the bondholders should be burned and not another cent of our money paid to Anglo-Irish Bank."